Maryland Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Maryland offers Medicare beneficiaries access to some of the nation's finest healthcare institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, and the University of Maryland Medical System. Whether you live in the bustling DC suburbs of Silver Spring and Bethesda, historic Baltimore, the college town of Frederick, or the quieter Eastern Shore, understanding your Medicare Supplement options is essential.
Like all states, Medigap plans in Maryland are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Maryland's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Maryland, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Maryland
Maryland Consumer Protections
Maryland law provides strong consumer protections for Medigap policyholders. When purchasing a new Medigap policy, you have a 30-day "free look" period during which you can cancel the policy for a full refund if you decide it's not right for you. Maryland also requires insurers to provide clear disclosure of premium rating methods.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Maryland
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Maryland, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | MD Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $140 - $300 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $110 - $240 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $170 - $340 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Maryland, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Maryland
For most Maryland residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Maryland Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Maryland also has a robust Medicare Advantage market, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $110 - $340+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Maryland-Specific Medicare Considerations
DC Metro Area and Federal Employees
Many Maryland residents in the DC metro area (Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg) work or have worked for the federal government. If you're a federal retiree, you may have FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) coverage that coordinates with Medicare. Understanding how Medigap interacts with your existing benefits is crucial—and something a fee-only advisor can help you navigate without any conflict of interest.
World-Class Healthcare Access
Maryland is home to some of the nation's premier medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, the NIH Clinical Center, MedStar Health, and the University of Maryland Medical System. With Medigap, you can see any doctor or specialist at these institutions who accepts Medicare—no referrals needed and no network restrictions. This is particularly valuable if you have complex health conditions requiring specialized care.
Diverse Geography and Healthcare Access
Maryland's geography ranges from the urban Baltimore-Washington corridor to the rural Eastern Shore and Western Maryland mountains. Healthcare access varies significantly across these regions. Medigap's nationwide coverage means you can see any Medicare-accepting provider, whether you're in downtown Baltimore or Cumberland—and if you travel or have homes in multiple locations, your coverage travels with you.
Military and Veterans Community
With proximity to military installations including Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Andrews Air Force Base, and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland has a significant military and veteran population. If you're a veteran with TRICARE For Life or VA benefits, understanding how these coordinate with Medicare and Medigap can save you money while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Maryland SHIP Program
Maryland offers a free counseling program called SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) through the Maryland Department of Aging. While SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Maryland Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage. Maryland follows standard federal Medigap rules and does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue.
Medigap premiums in Maryland typically range from $110-$340+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location (DC suburbs tend to be more expensive than Western Maryland), gender, and tobacco use. Plan G generally offers the best value for comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.